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Jurrjens happy knee is pain free in camp

Jurrjens happy knee is pain free in camp

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MLB.com |

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Jair Jurrjens has gone through the first week of Spring Training without any restrictions or concerns about his bothersome right knee, which has prevented him from pitching down the stretch each of the past two seasons.

"I can concentrate on pitching without having to worry about my knee," Jurrjens said.

Noted knee specialist Dr. Richard Steadman fitted Jurrjens with a brace that provides stability to his knee and hip. The 26-year-old pitcher has found even greater relief since starting to wear orthotics in his shoes. This step was taken after it was determined some of the extra strain on his knee was a product of a shorter-than-normal joint in his right big toe.

Jurrjens has not yet reached the point where he is worried about how hard he is throwing. He is just enjoying the opportunity to pitch in a pain-free manner again.

"It's a little too early," Jurrjens said. "Usually I don't worry about velocity this early in camp. It's more about getting comfortable on the mound again and working on my pitches."